Wednesday, November 30, 2011

What Goes Around, Comes Around

Genesis 29:25
And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?

Galatians 6:7
Be not deceived; G-d is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

In our every day language I believe this is a prime example of "what goes around, comes around." Jacob found himself in the same predicament he had placed his brother in, seven years earlier. Don't think it has to be the exact same circumstances or people to experience the same "end of the stick" in our dealings. Jacob, the youngest had hidden his identity to his father for the blessing, at his mother's behest; and now his mother's brother hid his daughter's identity. We really do reap what we sow, sooner or later, one way or another. If we're astute, we hopefully won't have to learn that lesson more than once.

Monday, November 28, 2011

A Prophetic Dream. . . .

Genesis 28:12
And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of G-d ascending and descending on it.

John 1:51
And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of G-d ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

When Jacob had this dream it was so intense and powerful, he actually renamed the place where he was. BethEl, which is translated House of G-d, is frequently used in Church titles, even today, but as I read John 1:51, it became very clear that Y'hshuwah was the "House of G-d" in the flesh, and of course, demonstrated and promised that His followers would be as well.

Monday, November 21, 2011

No Fear of Death

Genesis 25:8 Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people. John 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. When G-d's purpose in our life has been accomplished, we can face death with dignity. Dignity in death is something seriously lacking in our mainstream society. Perhaps if we truly believed the words of Paul, in that he'd rather be present with the Lord, we'd not go to excessive measures fearing death.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Giving G-d the Glory

Genesis 24:52
And it came to pass, that , when Abraham's servant heard their words, he worshipped Adonai, bowing himself to the earth.

Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in Adonai, alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

When prayers are answered, we must be as diligent with the praise and thanks as we were to ask and seek, originally.

Unselfishness

Genesis 24:12
And he said, O Adonai G-d of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day and show kindness unto my master Abraham.

Philippians 2:3,4
Let nothing be done through strive or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Abraham obviously knew his days were coming to a close, and he didn't want his son to be alone. Abraham's servant knew of Abraham's wealth and although he wouldn't directly benefit from the riches, yet he prayed a very unselfish prayer that was answered immediately!

Not Losing Sight of Purpose

Genesis 24:6
And Abraham said unto him, Beware that thou bring not my son thither again.

Colossians 3:2
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Although Abraham finds himself, now, without his partner, he refuses to lose sight of the bigger picture. He is determined to not assimilate into the local culture and he is also determined that his son will not return to his previous culture. Even in grief Abraham keeps sight of his purpose.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

The Faith of Sarah

Genesis 23:1
And Sarah was an hundred and seven and twenty years old: these were the years of the life of Sarah.

Hebrews 11:11
Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.

Although Abraham is called G-d's friend, Sarah didn't rely on her spouse's faith. Sarah had faith in G-d and in that faith was blessed with strength to do what was naturally impossible.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Sarah / Elizabeth

Genesis 18:13-14
And YHWH said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? Is any thing too hard for YHWH? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

Luke 1:36-37
And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with G-d nothing shall be impossible.

Two very similar situations, two thousand years apart, more or less . . . Now two thousand years later, still nothing is impossible with G-d.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

The Same Message

Genesis 14:21-23
And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto Adonai, the most high G-d, the possessor of heaven and earth, That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:

Luke 9:3
And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.

All the years between Abraham and Y'hshuwah, yet the same message is conveyed, and even up to now. The powers of the world offer riches, but the plan of G-d is to provide for HIS servants and not have them burdened by the cares and obligations of this world and it's power. Abraham spoke that he had no need for the provisions of the world. Y'hshuwah sent his disciples in the same teaching.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Communion with Our King

Genesis 14:18, 19
And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high G-d. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:

Matthew 26:26-29
And as they were eating, Y'hshuwah took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.

The King of Salem or Peace appeared unto Abraham to share bread and wine. The reference to Melchizedek, King of Righteousness and Peace. And we see this again in the New Testament with Messiah and his disciples. Coincidence? I think not!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

When G-d says "Get Moving"

Genesis 12:1-3
Now YHWH had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Hebrews 11:8
By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

Abraham didn't even question what he heard and there is no record of him debating or discussing or prolonging the decision. Scripture tells us, he simply moved upon the call of G-d. I would also like to point out the 3rd verse in Genesis with regard to America's involvement in the Middle East. The Middle Easterners are all Abraham's grandsons and according to Genesis 12:3, we really need to keep that in mind in our arbitration political posturing.